Reports surfaced that former Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was being placed on the trading block by the Seattle Seahawks, one season after signing a five-year deal worth $40 million. The biggest hurdle for a trade was Houshmandzadeh's $7 million that he was due this year. Joe Reedy wrote that the Vikings, Jets, Chargers and Cardinals were interested in Houshmandzadeh.
Chad Ochocinco tweeted when news broke of Houshmandzadeh being on the trading block: " My success over my career has been enabled because of the play of Housh on the opposite side of me and id be happy to have him back." Much like he did with Terrell Owens, Chad said he'll be "lobbying heavy" for Houshmandzadeh's Cincinnati return.
On Saturday afternoon, Houshmandzadeh's career with the Seahawks has come to an end. According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, Seattle released Houshmandzadeh because ultimately, there were no trade partners -- or partners willing to take on Houshmandzadeh's salary and perhaps a draft pick.
While Houshmandzadeh's production can't be argued, the fact is that the Bengals may not have any need for him. There's always the chance that the team may be hesitant on having a rookie (Jordan Shipley), a second-year player with four career receptions (Quan Cosby) and a third-year player with one career reception (Jerome Simpson), therefore signing Houshmandzadeh to help them this year. But that chance is microscopic at best.
Also, for those people worried that Briscoe doesn't pass waivers and can't be signed to the Bengals practice squad, Houshmandzadeh hitting free agency only helps.